Communication Sciences and Disorders (B.A.)

This department offers courses related to the study of communication and communication disorders and sciences. Specialized coursework prepares students to work with speech-language and hearing disabled children and adults in a variety of settings, including the public schools, hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers and private practice. College teaching and research are also career possibilities.

Undergraduate students in this specialization should note that graduate study is required for clinical certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). A master’s degree is required for speech-language pathologists and a doctoral degree is required for audiologists. Study in this major at the undergraduate level provides a scientific foundation for graduate study in both audiology and speech-language pathology as well as other science and health professions.

Students interested in pursuing doctoral study should contact the graduate officer.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for this program are satisfied by the general requirements for undergraduate admission to the University.

It is expected that a major will complete at least thirty-three but not more than forty-six credits in SLP and AUD course work. Any credits elected over the maximum forty-six must have prior approval of both advisor and Chairperson if the additional credits are to count toward the degree (120 credits). At least twelve credits are required in residence within the major for transfer students. A proper distribution of courses approved by the student's advisor is important. It is desirable that students intending to major in communication sciences and disorders begin their work in the Department in their sophomore year. Courses in the major should be selected in consultation with a Departmental undergraduate advisor. Students are encouraged to begin consulting with the undergraduate advisor during their freshman year. The declaration of major form should be completed as soon as possible in their undergraduate program. In addition, students should see the department advisor to discuss g.p.a. policies and the course sequence. The Department allows one repeat of undergraduate courses. The specific courses that can be repeated depend on whether the student has met the g.p.a. requirements.

Major Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree in this discipline consist of the following courses:

It is departmental policy that a student who earns a grade of C or below in two or more of the CSD foundation courses (SLP 5300, SLP 5320, SLP 5080, SLP 5090, and AUD 5400) will not be allowed to register for advanced coursework. Departmental permission is required to register for the six advanced courses in the major which are:

Students will not be granted permission to register for the advanced coursework unless they have and maintain an overall 2.75 grade point average, and maintain a 3.0 grade point average within the major coursework. Students who do not meet these requirements will not be able to complete the major courses required to earn the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders. In addition, it is strongly recommended that all majors complete the following courses to meet certification requirements of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association after graduate school:

It is Departmental policy that a student may earn no more than one grade of C or below in the CSD foundation courses (SLP 5300, SLP 5320, SLP 5080, SLP 5090, and AUD 5400). If two or more grades of C or below are earned, students will not be allowed to register for advanced coursework. Students must also have and maintain an overall g.p.a. of 2.75 and major g.p.a. of 3.0 to register for advanced coursework in any given semester.

ALSO NOTE: Department permission is required to register for advanced courses (SLP 5120, SLP 5310, SLP 6460, SLP 6480 and AUD 5420). Students will be granted permission to register only if they maintain a g.p.a. of 3.0 for courses in the major and an overall g.p.a. of 2.75.